Resident´s Birthdays
Barbara Gravely 5/7
Ann Medillo 5/11
Opal Hipps 5/16
Clara Tinsley 5/25
Shelby Crowe 5/25
Celebrating May
Arthritis Awareness Month
Older Americans Month
Walking Month
Be Kind to Animals Week
May 5–11
Backyard Games Week
May 20–26
International Midwives’ Day
May 5
National Third Shift
Workers Day
May 8
Miniature Golf Day
May 11
Mother’s Day
May 12
International Museum Day
May 18
International Tea Day
May 21
Amnesty International Day
May 28
Senior Health and Fitness Day
May 29
Community Events
Mother’s Day Brunch 5/11
11 AM – 1 PM
The Irresistible Iris
What is it about the iris that is so alluring? Van Gogh often painted the beautiful flowers. The fleur-de-lis, a stylized iris, is a symbol associated with France, New Orleans, Florence, and even the Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, and Girl Scouts. Perhaps it should come as no surprise that this popular flower enjoys its own holiday on May 8.
The word iris comes from a Greek word meaning “rainbow,” which is fitting since irises come in shades of purple, yellow, white, pink, and blue. In Japan, iris flowers are believed to ward off evil spirits, and the leaves are put in bathwater to prevent illness.
With Mother’s Day fast approaching on May 12, perhaps May 8 is the perfect occasion to run to the flower shop and buy a beautiful bouquet of irises.
Arches
There are 2,000 natural sandstone arches, hundreds of soaring pinnacles, massive rock fins, and giant balanced rocks
Playful May
As the vibrant blooms of May usher in warmer days, it’s the perfect time to embrace the great outdoors, starting right in your backyard. Here’s a roundup of backyard games and activities that will turn your outdoor space into a hub of entertainment and relaxation.First up, consider organizing a lawn bowling extravaganza. Gather your friends and family for some friendly competition.
The satisfying clatter of pins and the strategic precision employed make it enjoyable for all ages. Set up a makeshift alley, and let the good times roll!
Next, why not create your own picnic paradise? May is the ideal month for a delightful backyard picnic. Spread out a cozy blanket, pack a basket with your favorite treats, and bask in the sunshine. Invite friends over for an afternoon of al fresco dining, complete with refreshing beverages and delicious snacks.
For those who enjoy a challenge, organize a giant Jenga jamboree. The towering wooden blocks add an exciting twist to the classic game, requiring steady hands and careful thinking. Challenge your friends to a game, and watch the tension rise with each precarious pull.
If you’re in the mood for some physical activity, plan a badminton bonanza. The game is a fantastic way to get active. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a novice, the backyard is the perfect setting for a spirited match.
Finally, as the sun sets, make the yard into a cozy haven for a campfire and stargazing. Set up a fire pit, roast marshmallows, and share stories
Arches
This massive dessert rock weighs in at an estimated 3,577 Tons and stands at 128 feet tall. That’s about the length of three yellow school buses.
Resident of the Month
Mary Swafford
Our May resident of the month is Mary Swafford. Mary was born and raised in Southport, NC. She attended school there and later married. Mary raised six children (three boys and three girls). In the late 1960s the family moved to Easley, SC. She began her long and successful career in law enforcement in the mid-70s, when she became a dispatcher for the Liberty Police Department and in the late 70s she became a dispatcher for the Easley Police Department. After several years she decided to attend the police academy and became and uniformed officer for the Easley Police Department. Mary eventually decided to return to police dispatch and became a dispatch supervisor for the Greenville County sheriff’s office, where she remained until her retirement. She is known for her intelligence, beauty, devotion to family, and her great sense of humor. Mary is greatly loved and cherished by her family and all who know her.
Arches
National Park
Arches National Park comprises 76,519 acres, more than 1.46 million people visited the park in 2022
Mediterranean Magic
What is it about living in the Mediterranean that allows people to live longer? Is it
the sunshine? The red wine? Science suggests that it’s the Mediterranean diet. This simple diet isn’t a fad; it just consists of foods typical of the Mediterranean region. And yes, the occasional glass of red wine is included! May is International Mediterranean Diet Month, so add a few of this region’s foods to your shopping list.
All healthy diets require a variety of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, but what makes the Mediterranean diet special? Bread is a staple in many Mediterranean countries, but the grains typically are whole grains, containing no damaging trans fats. Moreover, these whole grain breads are eaten plain or simply dipped in olive oil, not spread with butter or margarine. Also, salt isn’t the first choice when it comes
to increasing flavor. Instead, cooks sprinkle on herbs and spices.
Nuts are another frequent addition to meals. Some people avoid nuts because they are high in fat, but nuts actually contain healthy fats. Mediterranean diets steer clear of honey-roasted or salted nuts.
Speaking of fat, olive oil is almost always the primary source of fat, used in lieu of vegetable or canola oil and butter. Olive oil helps reduce cholesterol and is full of beneficial antioxidants. Eating fish at least twice a week (and red meat only a few times a month) also increases the intake of omega-3 fatty acids, which help moderate blood pressure, improve the health of bloo
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Recipe Spotlight:
Layered Fruit & Shrimp Salad
Ingredients:
2 cups watermelon balls
2 cups cantaloupe balls
2 cups honeydew balls
2 cups sliced peaches
2 cups sliced pears
2 cups quartered orange sections
2 cups sliced plums
1 cup fresh blueberries
1 cup fresh strawberries
1 cup cubed pineapple
2 dozen (21-25) count boiled shrimp
2 cups crawfish tails
1 recipe fruity yogurt dressing
1/2 cup chopped pecans
Directions:
In a large glass serving bowl, layer fruit by alternating stratas of color. Once all the fruit has been layered, line shrimp and crawfish in a decorative pattern around the edge of the bowl. Top with fruity yogurt dressing and toss the mixture to blend the dressing into the fruit. Sprinkle with pecans and serve immediately.
Fruit is not just for dessert anymore! With its wide range of colors and textures, nothing makes a more beautiful entree salad than layers of fresh or canned fruit. Why not create an interesting and unique summer salad by combining colorful, healthful fruit with fresh shrimp or other seafood?
Arches
National Park
This region has the highest concentration of stone arches anywhere in the world
Associate of the Month
Margaret Reid
Our May associate of the month is Margaret Reid. Margaret was born in Norfolk, Virgina. She is the youngest of three children and when she was a newborn her parents moved to Brooklyn, New York where she was raised. Margaret worked as a substitute paraprofessional in many different schools throughout her life. Eventually she went into a new direction for work and became a home health aide. Margaret found her passion in working with seniors. She moved to South Carolina four years ago and started a new chapter in her life. She has been at Oakview Park for around a year and loves being a part of our residents’ lives. Margaret is a devoted housekeeper for memory care as well as assisted living. She has such positive energy, and you can catch her any part of the day dancing and singing with the residents! We are so happy to have her on our team.
Arches
Double O Arch
The second largest arch within the Devils Garden area. As the name implies, there are two arches here, one large, with a
span of 71 feet, stacked atop a much smaller arch with a 21-foot span. It was formed by downward water erosion from atop the sandstone, rather than from side-to-side water erosion.
Collaborators
Jennifer Klein
